200m bicycle ‘bridge of trees’ for Amstelveen

representing a unique addition to the rural road network, paul de ruiter architects and CULD’s ‘bridge of trees’ is the winning proposal in a competition voted by the community deciding the development of a new 200-metre bicycle bridge in the area of amstelveen, a small town outside of amsterdam, netherlands. the bridge will be an eco-oriented extension to the area’s A9 route, forming a new striking landmark.

known for their portfolio of buildings that generate energy – and not only in the literal sense – in this winning proposal, paul de ruiter architects continue to support the virtues of qualities like health and the elements of well-being. the bridge’s columns are shaped like giant flowerpots that protrude above deck bearing large indigenous trees, and around which the deck winds its way like a green ribbon. with its meandering paths and lush sections of green, the bridge resembles a leafy park. as night falls, subtle lighting will pick out the trees and greenery, presenting amstelveen’s new icon as a safe and peaceful oasis in the surrounding dark, a garden of calm above the high-speed road network below.

the proposal will see the development of a new 200-metre bicycle bridge in the area of amstelveen

the new bridge was commissioned to span the new highway junction and provide pedestrian and bicycle access from the southern parts of the city to Amstelveen’s centre. the winning design presents the bridge as a green passageway to the city centre, anchoring and connecting it to the city’s reputation as one of europe’s greenest cities.

the bridge embodies the architects love of eco-oriented design

‘amstelveen’s choice was clear and unequivocal’, amstelveen’s alderman herbert raat, stated. ‘we were simply blown away by the level of participation in this ballot; it’s a clear indication of people’s desire to have a say in their city’s development. the winning design feels like a natural extension of the city’s green character.’ the new bridge will span the new highway junction and provide pedestrian and bicycle access from the southern parts of the city to amstelveen’s centre.

the new bridge will span the new highway junction and provide pedestrian and bicycle access

in the community competition to be decided by popular vote, the design received 77% of the nearly 12,000 votes. the winning proposal is a collaborative design by paul de ruiter architects, CULD (complex urban landscape design) and structural engineering firm tielemans bouwconstructies.

the bridge’s columns are shaped like giant flowerpots that protrude above deck bearing large indigenous trees

the deck winds its way like a green ribbon with its meandering paths and lush sections of green

infographic explaining the infrastructure of the design

the bridge resembles a leafy park and as night falls, subtle lighting will pick out the trees and greenery